A preliminary hearing was held Tuesday for the now 18-year-old Juan Ortega Morales the 3rd for the murder of a man last year. He will be held to answer as an adult for the crime he committed when he was 17.

According to a Butte County DA's Office press release, Morales was allegedly seen on surveillance cameras approaching 62-year-old Howard Brimm who then crossed the street to avoid Morales. However, Morales allegeldy followed Brimm and hit him, knocking Brimm to the ground. Once on the ground Morales was seen stomping on Brimm's head. Oroville Police arrived, and found Morales nearby. Brimm died 38 days later from massive head injuries.